MTV Buzzworthy Blog: Nicki Minaj's Funniest Faces
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Monday, October 31, 2011
HGTV, LA and Dining Room Tables
I've been watching a lot of HGTV since coming to LA. My favorite shows are House Hunters and House Hunters International. There's also another show I like to watch called For Rent, but only because it makes me angry.
When it comes to apartments/homes, I think living in New York for the past eleven years has made me bitter because there was this whiny broad on For Rent a few nights ago who was looking at a huge place—A HUGE PLACE—and was like, "There's no place for a dining room table..."
B*TCH, YOU'RE LUCKY TO GET A KITCHEN IN NEW YORK.
I hated her.
Now there's some stupid lady on House Hunters who wants a townhouse with a fireplace that she can turn on with a light switch. IT HAS TO BE A LIGHT SWITCH because she doesn't want to bend down and flip a switch on the floor.
WHO DO THESE PEOPLE THINK THEY ARE?
Anyway, I know my LA update is WAY overdue (and truth be told I wrote a long one last week but for some reason it didn't save so I lost the whole thing and I was so angry that I just said, "Ah, f*ck it," and closed the computer instead of rewriting) but to give you a quick update, I AM SO HAPPY HERE. I MEAN, I'M REALLY, REALLY HAPPY. And I think living here and watching HGTV—both of these things combined—has made me realize that New York was just beating me down. I mean, the fireplace lady—yes, she's an idiot. But there's nothing wrong with wanting a dining room table. Why did I get so mad at that lady?
Since being here, at least once a day I ask myself why I have lived in New York for so long. (It's like I had Stockholm Syndrome or something.) CALIFORNIA IS AWESOME. It's like the promised land. It's sunny all the time and there are birds and flowers everywhere. I have space out here. I have a sofa on the patio out here. I HAVE A SOFA OUTSIDE. I haven't seen one rat since I've been here. But hummingbirds? THEY ZIP BY MY HEAD EVERY DAY. I am so happy.
I'm supposed to go back to New York in November, but truth be told, I'm not sure I will.
Cameron Richardson Camilla Belle Carla Campbell Carla Gugino
Maya Rudolph: Why I Love Halloween
Are you a fan of Halloween?
"I love Halloween! Last year I dressed up as a half-bride, half-groom. That was really fun. And my daughter (Pearl, 5) was Princess Leia and that was her choice, which I was really proud of, because she’s never seen Star Wars. It’s so fun. Kids get so jazzed about dressing up. And not to mention there’s candy involved, so who doesn’t like that?"
Robert Plant And Alison Krauss Win Grammy Album Of The Year
Raising Sand, from Led Zeppelin vet and bluegrass superstar, wins five Grammys on Sunday night.
By James Montgomery with MTV News staff
Alison Krauss and Robert Plant accept the award for Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards on Sunday
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images
"I'm bewildered," Robert Plant said onstage as he accepted the Grammy Album of the Year award with Alison Krauss on Sunday night. "In the old days we would have called this selling out, but it's a good way to spend a Sunday."
He was probably one of the few who were surprised, because Raising Sand, which won five trophies at Sunday night's show, is in many ways the perfect Grammy album. It features two respected veterans, a critically lauded producer, some sandpaper-and-velvet vocals and a baker's dozen of time-tested standards.
You're probably familiar with Robert Plant from his Led Zeppelin days, and you might be aware of producer T-Bone Burnett's work on the "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack (it won the Grammy for Album of the Year in 2002). And if you don't know who Alison Krauss is, she possesses a haunting set of pipes and is one of the meanest fiddle players in the world. Oh, and she's won 21 Grammys, more than any other female artist and the seventh-most in history.
Really, she's the key to Sand's success, and not just because of her voice (or her fiddle playing). She and Plant first met in 2004, at a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tribute to legendary bluesman Leadbelly, and the former Zeppelin man was amazed by her knowledge of American Roots music — so much so that they began kicking around the idea of recording an album together. Three years later, Sand was released.
And while Plant possesses the more famous voice, the album's finest moments radiate from Krauss. Whether she's getting bluesy on Little Milton's "Let Your Loss Be Your Lesson" or entwining with Plant's husky voice on songs like "Please Read the Letter" and Roly Salley's winsome "Killing the Blues," she more than carries her end of the bargain.
And perhaps that's also due to producer Burnett, who handpicked the 13 songs the duo cover on Sand. His arrangements are sparse — giving the two voices ample room to breathe — yet dense, warm and crackling at the same time. It's a testament to his work that he's often given just as much billing as Plant and Krauss on the project ... and it's certainly justified.
To date, Sand has sold more than 1 million copies, heaped tons of acclaim and actually earned a Grammy last year — "Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)" took home the award for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals.
One expert was surprised not by the album's success, but by the fact that it's actually quite a good album.
"At first, the album seemed like a vanity project. ... Two names, clearly a one-off record, didn't have to be any good, you know?" New York Times music critic Jon Caramanica said. "Led Zeppelin fans would buy it because of Robert Plant, Alison Krauss would get a check. But it actually turned out to be a really thoughtful, really good record. So when you combine all that with the fact that the Grammys love to lionize one of their own, I could really see it taking home some awards."
Related Videos Related ArtistsRobert Plant And Alison Krauss Win Grammy Album Of The Year
Raising Sand, from Led Zeppelin vet and bluegrass superstar, wins five Grammys on Sunday night.
By James Montgomery with MTV News staff
Alison Krauss and Robert Plant accept the award for Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards on Sunday
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images
"I'm bewildered," Robert Plant said onstage as he accepted the Grammy Album of the Year award with Alison Krauss on Sunday night. "In the old days we would have called this selling out, but it's a good way to spend a Sunday."
He was probably one of the few who were surprised, because Raising Sand, which won five trophies at Sunday night's show, is in many ways the perfect Grammy album. It features two respected veterans, a critically lauded producer, some sandpaper-and-velvet vocals and a baker's dozen of time-tested standards.
You're probably familiar with Robert Plant from his Led Zeppelin days, and you might be aware of producer T-Bone Burnett's work on the "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack (it won the Grammy for Album of the Year in 2002). And if you don't know who Alison Krauss is, she possesses a haunting set of pipes and is one of the meanest fiddle players in the world. Oh, and she's won 21 Grammys, more than any other female artist and the seventh-most in history.
Really, she's the key to Sand's success, and not just because of her voice (or her fiddle playing). She and Plant first met in 2004, at a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tribute to legendary bluesman Leadbelly, and the former Zeppelin man was amazed by her knowledge of American Roots music — so much so that they began kicking around the idea of recording an album together. Three years later, Sand was released.
And while Plant possesses the more famous voice, the album's finest moments radiate from Krauss. Whether she's getting bluesy on Little Milton's "Let Your Loss Be Your Lesson" or entwining with Plant's husky voice on songs like "Please Read the Letter" and Roly Salley's winsome "Killing the Blues," she more than carries her end of the bargain.
And perhaps that's also due to producer Burnett, who handpicked the 13 songs the duo cover on Sand. His arrangements are sparse — giving the two voices ample room to breathe — yet dense, warm and crackling at the same time. It's a testament to his work that he's often given just as much billing as Plant and Krauss on the project ... and it's certainly justified.
To date, Sand has sold more than 1 million copies, heaped tons of acclaim and actually earned a Grammy last year — "Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)" took home the award for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals.
One expert was surprised not by the album's success, but by the fact that it's actually quite a good album.
"At first, the album seemed like a vanity project. ... Two names, clearly a one-off record, didn't have to be any good, you know?" New York Times music critic Jon Caramanica said. "Led Zeppelin fans would buy it because of Robert Plant, Alison Krauss would get a check. But it actually turned out to be a really thoughtful, really good record. So when you combine all that with the fact that the Grammys love to lionize one of their own, I could really see it taking home some awards."
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Sunday, October 30, 2011
Amy Winehouse Remembered By Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, More
'RIP Amy Winehouse. May she finally find peace,' Perry writes. 'I am genuinely heartbroken about this,' Rihanna tweets.
By Jason Kaufman, with reporting by Kara Klenk
Amy Winehouse
Photo: Carlos Alvarez/ Getty Images
As news spread that 27-year-old Amy Winehouse was dead, stars immediately tweeted their shocked reactions and remorse over the lost talent.
Katy Perry, who touches down in Boise, Idaho, this weekend as part of her California Dreams Tour, tweeted her condolences, writing, "RIP Amy Winehouse. May she finally find peace."
Nicki Minaj, who is also on the road as part of Britney Spears' Femme Fatale jaunt, took to Twitter and expressed disbelief at the news of Winehouse's passing. "Please tell me Amy Winehouse didn't die," wrote the Young Money MC, who's set to hit the stage in Florida on Saturday (July 23). "Is this some sick joke?"
"I am genuinely heartbroken about this," wrote Rihanna, who continued to express her shock over multiple tweets. "Dear God have mercy!!! I am SICK about this right now!" In another, she wrote "U made a MAJAH impression on this industry and throughout the world, in such a short space of time...too short!"
Usher reflected on Winehouse, who he had known: "I'm so sad to hear the horrible news of Amy Winehouse's death. I'm so happy I knew you Amy...Rest Well. Gone Too Soon...we'll miss you!!""
Frequent tweeter Kim Kardashian used her 140 characters to send prayers: "I just heard the news that Amy Winehouse passed away. What a true talent. I pray she's in a better place & at peace."
Meanwhile, Ryan Seacrest showed Winehouse's impact on the music industry, singling out both Lady Gaga and Adele as those who had been influenced. "Sad to lose Amy Winehouse - incred talent. Both @LadyGaga & @OfficialAdele say Amy paved way for them."
Dr. Drew focused on the singer's well-documented struggles with addiction. "SO sad, another lost to addiction. A reminder this is often a fatal condition. Recovery is possible, but sadly not for Amy Winehouse."
Winehouse's American record label, Universal Republic, said in a statement: "We are deeply saddened at the sudden loss of such a gifted musician, artist and performer. Our prayers go out to Amy's family, friends and fans at this difficult time."
Many More Stars Are Reacting. Check Back To See Who Else Has Weighed In:
Leann Rimes: "RIP Amy Winehouse. So sad to see such a talent gone and her life end in tragedy. This makes me terribly sad."
Khloe Kardashian: "Wow! I just heard about Amy Winehouse passing away! Wow! So sad :( what an amazing talent"
Ashton Kutcher: "Rip amy winehouse"
Big Boi: "Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix and now Amy Winehouse. All died aged 27. RIP to you all."
Kelly Osbourne: "i cant even breath right my now im crying so hard i just lost 1 of my best friends. i love you forever Amy & will never forget the real you!"
Rick Ross: "Wanted to collab w/ Amy Winehouse...r.i.p...smoking 1 in your memoryyy!!"
Janelle Monae: "heart is heavy. My heart goes out 2 Amy Winehouse's family, loved ones. Praying for their strength during this time."
Ricky Martin: "I just found out. I feel pain. I feel anger. Rest beautiful girl rest. You are free!"
Cee Lo: "Is it true about amy?"
Victoria Justice: "I'm so sad about the #amywinehouse news I heard this morning. She was 1 of my favorite artists. What a sad story, she was such a talent..."
Randy Jackson: "Wow what a tragic loss today in the music world, Amy Winehouse such a talent. She will be missed"
Kreayshawn: "I said she was a TIMELESS artist and a real artist because of her struggle. I'm so upset I love her! RIP Amy Winehouse"
What Was Your Favorite Winehouse Song? Pay Tribute To Her Talents On Facebook
Share your memories of Amy Winehouse in the comments below.
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsAround the Web?
TGIF! Before you start the weekend, check out today’s links: Soleil Moon Frye: Get your kids cooking in the kitchen ? lilSugar.com More men are turning to child care work in the struggling economy ? Today Moms Ohio dentist offering to buy children’s Halloween candy ? Mansfield News Journal CONTEST: Heidi Klum wants to make [...]
Usher - OMG
- Artist: Usher
- Label: LaFace Records, JLG
- Director: Anthony Mandler
- Album: Raymond V. Raymond
Michael Jackson - Thriller (Long Vers.)
- Artist: Michael Jackson
- Label: Epic Records
- Album: Thriller [Bonus Tracks]
'Dark Knight Rises' Prologue To Play Before IMAX 'Mission: Impossible'
Six-minute-long prologue footage will reportedly only be shown at theaters with high-resolution 70mm IMAX screens.
By Kevin P. Sullivan
Christian Bale and Tom Hardy film "The Dark Knight Rises"
Photo: Jared Wickerham/ Getty Images
It is almost certain now that the Dark Knight will be rising sooner than expected. As MTV News reported last week, there was a rumor circulating that a six-minute prologue to the upcoming Christopher Nolan Batman film, "The Dark Knight Rises," would play before IMAX showings of "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol." The presentation was, in theory, supposed to be similar to the Joker's reveal that played before IMAX screenings of "I Am Legend" in 2008.
The rumor remained just that until theater chain AMC released a statement on their blog that reads: "The six-minute Dark Knight Rises prologue footage will only be shown on the higher resolution 70mm IMAX screens. Not the digital IMAX screens. Locations haven't been confirmed yet, so stay tuned for an update on AMC Theatre locations that will be showing the prologue Dark Knight Rises footage at a 70mm IMAX screen nearest you."
AMC's statement aligned with the original rumor that had been posted on /Film, but news of the clip only showing on the "higher resolution 70mm IMAX screens" was an unexpected bit of information, though not entirely surprising. Nolan is known for his meticulous control over his films, so insisting on the higher res for the preview makes sense.
This detail from the AMC post may spell trouble for some fans. If the report is accurate, the prologue will play on far fewer screens than initially expected. The digital IMAX screens tend to be more common than the 70mm format ones, so some fans may have to travel further than expected for their first glimpse at "The Dark Knight Rises."
The post was the most solid confirmation yet about the footage, but it was soon removed. A new statement was issued by AMC, stating, "The information in this post has been retracted until further notice. Please refer to Warner Bros. for any information about The Dark Knight Rises."
If AMC was confident enough to confirm the rumors, the prologue seems like more or less a certainty. The redaction by Warner Bros. could have to do with how they typically release Batman info. With "The Dark Knight," the "Why So Serious" marketing campaign involved highly complicated tasks that rewarded fans with content, like the Joker prologue. A straight news release for the "Dark Knight Rises" prologue would go against precedent.
What do you want to see in the prologue for "The Dark Knight Rises"? Let us know in the comments below and on Twitter!
Check out everything we've got on "The Dark Knight Rises."
For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.
Related Videos Related Photos
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Jessica Biel Touches Down at JFK
After enjoying a few days in the Big Apple, Jessica Biel was spotted arriving at JFK Airport to catch a departing flight on Friday (October 28).
The ?I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry? hottie looked super cute in a dress and high boots paired with a blazer as she happily smiled for the on-hand photogs.
Last night, Ms Biel ?accompanied by on/off beau Justin Timberlake- attended the Fashion Group International 28th Annual Night of Stars event held at Cipriani 55 Wall Street.
The soiree was hosted by Simon Doonan, and Jessica presented an award alongside Star Honoree Giambattista Valli.
Michael Jackson Couldn't Kill Himself With Propofol, Expert Says
Last prosecution witness finishes his testimony in Dr. Conrad Murray involuntary manslaughter trial.
By Gil Kaufman
Dr. Conrad Murray
Photo: Pool/ Getty Images
The final prosecution witness in the involuntary manslaughter trial of Michael Jackson physician Dr. Conrad Murray finished his testimony Thursday (October 20), paving the way for the physician's defense to present their witnesses.
Once again, the jury heard from anesthesiologist and propofol expert Dr. Steven Shafer, who presented a detailed list Wednesday of the 17 errors he believed Murray made in his treatment of Jackson.
The Witness
» Dr. Steven Shafer, anesthesiologist
Key Testimony
» Shafer, who has spent 20 years studying the effects of the surgical anesthetic propofol, informed the jury that there is no way Jackson could have caused his own death by swallowing the drug. Until it abandoned the line of reasoning last week, Murray's defense team appeared to be pursuing a theory that the pop star administered the fatal dose of the drug to himself when Murray was out of the room.
» According to CBS News, Shafer's claims were meant as a response to a report from defense expert Dr. Paul White, who said Jackson may have caused his own death by swallowing propofol. But Shafer said it's impossible for any propofol that is swallowed to enter the bloodstream, which is where coroner's officials found the drug during an autopsy of Jackson.
» Shafer also said Murray's improper use of propofol -- allegedly as a sleep aid -- has made his own patients afraid of the drug. "I am asked every day I'm in the operating room ... 'Are you going to give me the drug that killed Michael Jackson?' " Shafer said.
» A large portion of Thursday's testimony was dedicated to Shafer outlining his mathematical models that simulated various levels of propofol use, as well as demonstrations of how Murray had his medical equipment set up to administer propofol to Jackson. The prosecution later summarized Shafer's testimony, reiterating the fact that in Shafer's professional opinion, Murray's multiple deviations from standard medical care were the direct cause of Jackson's death. Shafer also said Murray is responsible for "every drop of propofol and lorazepam" that ended up in Jackson's room, no matter if he administered it or not, because Murray introduced Jackson to the sedatives in the first place.
» Murray's defense team was slated to question Shafer on Friday afternoon.
Murray, who has pleaded not guilty to the felony charge of involuntary manslaughter, is facing four years in prison if convicted. But new sentencing laws in California meant to mandatorily reduce state prison overcrowding mean that, as a nonviolent offender with no prior record, he could be sentenced to county jail instead. If that is the case, his sentence could be reduced to two years and, because of overcrowding in the Los Angeles County jail, he may be allowed to serve the majority of his time under supervised house arrest.
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Friday, October 28, 2011
From Page to Screen: Best Books Made Into Movies
From The Rum Diary to The Help, check out our picks for the best tomes to get the big-screen treatment.
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Britney Spears Boyfriend's 'Criminal' Role 'A Challenge'
Chris Marrs Piliero opens up to MTV News about working with non-actor Jason Trawick in new video.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Vanessa White Wolf
Jason Trawick and Britney Spears in "Criminal"
Photo: Jive
Britney Spears certainly had everyone talking when she dropped her steamy "Criminal" video. Sure, fans were talking about the sex and gunplay, but they were also going bananas over the appearance of Brit's real-life boyfriend, Jason Trawick, who plays her criminally handsome beau in the clip.
The idea to include Trawick in the video was all Britney's, but director Chris Marrs Piliero wasn't sure he was so into it. "When she first hit me up, she had a basic story in mind, and she actually always originally planned to have Jason, her boyfriend, play the role, and I wasn't super stoked on that idea at first, actually," he told MTV News.
Most of his reservations were because Trawick isn't a professional actor and he wasn't sure his rookie acting skills would translate well in the mini-movie. "I wanted to make a really rad, epic video, and I definitely got the sense from her she wanted something really cool," he explained. "And in my mind, I was just thinking then, 'We really should not be using your boyfriend; we should get an actor.' So, I mean, I didn't say that, but in the back of my mind, I'm like, 'I don't like this idea at all.' "
Trawick and his abs, however, managed to impress Piliero — and Britney loyalists everywhere. "At the end of the day, Jason killed it. That was one of those things I was really stoked [about], as much as I went into it like, 'Wow, he's not an actor. This is going to be interesting,' but I really do like a challenge, and I really do like the idea that I'm a director and my job is to direct and get the performance. For me, it was a fun challenge to be like, 'I'm gonna make sure that you are awesome,' and he was."
Piliero also worked with Spears on her video for "I Wanna Go," and he was once again dazzled by her sassy acting skills. "Of course, Britney was rad," he said. "She does a good job at nailing and doing the little acting thing. She's cool at it."
What did you think of the "Criminal" video? Share your reviews in the comments!
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HGTV, LA and Dining Room Tables
I've been watching a lot of HGTV since coming to LA. My favorite shows are House Hunters and House Hunters International. There's also another show I like to watch called For Rent, but only because it makes me angry.
When it comes to apartments/homes, I think living in New York for the past eleven years has made me bitter because there was this whiny broad on For Rent a few nights ago who was looking at a huge place—A HUGE PLACE—and was like, "There's no place for a dining room table..."
B*TCH, YOU'RE LUCKY TO GET A KITCHEN IN NEW YORK.
I hated her.
Now there's some stupid lady on House Hunters who wants a townhouse with a fireplace that she can turn on with a light switch. IT HAS TO BE A LIGHT SWITCH because she doesn't want to bend down and flip a switch on the floor.
WHO DO THESE PEOPLE THINK THEY ARE?
Anyway, I know my LA update is WAY overdue (and truth be told I wrote a long one last week but for some reason it didn't save so I lost the whole thing and I was so angry that I just said, "Ah, f*ck it," and closed the computer instead of rewriting) but to give you a quick update, I AM SO HAPPY HERE. I MEAN, I'M REALLY, REALLY HAPPY. And I think living here and watching HGTV—both of these things combined—has made me realize that New York was just beating me down. I mean, the fireplace lady—yes, she's an idiot. But there's nothing wrong with wanting a dining room table. Why did I get so mad at that lady?
Since being here, at least once a day I ask myself why I have lived in New York for so long. (It's like I had Stockholm Syndrome or something.) CALIFORNIA IS AWESOME. It's like the promised land. It's sunny all the time and there are birds and flowers everywhere. I have space out here. I have a sofa on the patio out here. I HAVE A SOFA OUTSIDE. I haven't seen one rat since I've been here. But hummingbirds? THEY ZIP BY MY HEAD EVERY DAY. I am so happy.
I'm supposed to go back to New York in November, but truth be told, I'm not sure I will.
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Michael Lohan Runs From Police?Arrested Again (VIDEO)
Michael Lohan Runs From Police…Arrested Again (VIDEO)
Michael Lohan tried to evade police after they arrived to his arrest him in Florida, but was arrested again after only being out of jail [...]
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Thursday, October 27, 2011
Fleshlight Offers Lindsay Lohan $1 Million For Genital Mold
Fleshlight Offers Lindsay Lohan $1 Million For Genital Mold
Actress Lindsay Lohan’s recent naked photoshoot seems to be opening doors…if she wants to cross over into porn! Lindsay Lohan recently posed naked for Playboy [...]
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President Obama Admits He Doesn't Watch 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians'
Michelle Obama and her daughters Sasha, 10, and Malia, 13, might be keeping up with the Kardashians, but President Barack Obama is not. The commander in chief stopped by The Tonight Show Tuesday, and told host Jay Leno that he doesn't like the E! reality show Keeping Up with the Kardashians -- despite the fact that he's never seen an episode!
"I have not seen the show," Obama, 50, admitted.
"Ah, so you're making a judgment without ever having seen the show," Leno teased.
"I'm probably a little biased against reality TV, partly because there's this program on C-Span called Congress," Obama joked. "But, no, I have not seen the show." (Watch an excerpt from the interview below.)
If you're wondering why the president and Leno were even talking about the Kardashians, here's a little background: Earlier this month, Michelle Obama revealed to iVillage that her daughters like to watch Keeping Up with the Kardashians on weekends. However, the 47-year-old first lady added that her husband "doesn't like that as much" as some of the other programming his kids consume. Michelle, however, argued that as long as her daughters take away the right lessons from the show, she is okay with them watching whatever they want.
A source close to the Kardashians said that the reality family was "flattered" that the Obamas watch their show -- though, apparently, Barack is not among the viewers.
Khloe, meanwhile, might have a bone to pick with the president: She has said that Obama told her it was a "great show" when they met last year.
And the Kardashian clan might have a bone to pick with Leno. When Obama asked the late-night host whether he should start watching Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Leno didn't give a very convincing answer. "It's a wonderful show," Leno replied laughing.
So, yeah, it doesn't seem like Obama is going to be catching up with the Kardashians any time soon.
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Julianne Hough: Sexy Shoe Shopper
Picking up a new pair of kicks, Julianne Hough and her pal were spotted shopping at Frontrunners shoe store in Brentwood, California yesterday (October 26).
Looking stylish while spending cash, the "Footloose" beauty donned a leather jacket, flowing creme top, skinny jeans and combat-inspired boots.
Feeling a litter "lighter" than usual, Julianne debuted her newly-chopped coif at Monday's Hollywood Film Awards Gala in Los Angeles.
According to reports, Miss Hough is trying to get her hair "healthy" as she " won?t work again until the new year," making now the perfect time to polish those tresses!
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1 Trend, 3 Ways: Fun Face Paint
We've spotted loads of celebrity tots rocking cool face paint. Check them out, plus our face paint set picks for every budget.
Lady Gaga, Adele Lead American Music Awards Noms
Katy Perry and Taylor Swift join the ladies dominating AMA nominations.
By Jocelyn Vena
Adele
Photo: Paul Bergen/ Getty Images
When the American Music Awards go down in November, expect it to be one big ladies' night, with A-listers Katy Perry, Adele, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift dominating the nominations, announced Tuesday (October 11).
Case in point: The show's big category, Artist of the Year, has five nominees, but only one is a dude. Lil Wayne, Adele, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift are all up for the award.
The Pop or Rock Music: Favorite Album nominees also belong to the women, with Gaga's Born This Way, Rihanna's Loud and Adele's 21. Meanwhile, the Pop or Rock Music: Favorite Female Artist nominees are Adele, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. There are some gentlemen in the mix, of course. The Pop or Rock Music: Favorite Male Artist nominees are Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars and Pitbull.
The Rap/Hip-Hop Music: Favorite Artist nominees include Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj and Kanye West. All three nominees are also up for Rap/Hip-Hop Music: Favorite Album with Tha Carter IV, Pink Friday and the Jay-Z-assisted Watch the Throne, respectively.
Chris Brown, Usher and Trey Songz are all looking to take home the trophy for Soul/Rhythm & Blues Music: Favorite Male Artist. Former Destiny's Child members Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland face off against Rihanna for Soul/Rhythm & Blues Music: Favorite Female Artist.
Brown, Rihanna and Beyoncé are also up for Soul/Rhythm & Blues Music: Favorite Album for F.A.M.E., Loud and 4 respectively.
Country Music: Favorite Female Artist honors go to Sara Evans, Miranda Lambert and Taylor Swift, who is also up for Favorite Album in the country category for Speak Now. Alternative Rock Music: Favorite Artist recognizes Foo Fighters, Black Keys and Mumford & Sons. And the Adult Contemporary Music: Favorite Artist sees Katy Perry, Adele and Bruno Mars vying for the prize.
Full list of American Music Awards nominations:
Pop or Rock Music: Favorite Female Artist
» Adele
» Katy Perry
» Lady Gaga
Pop or Rock Music: Favorite Male Artist
» Justin Bieber
» Bruno Mars
» Pitbull
Pop or Rock Music: Favorite Band, Duo or Group
» LMFAO
» Maroon 5
» OneRepublic
Pop or Rock Album
» Adele - 21
» Rihanna - Loud
» Lady Gaga - Born This Way
Rap/Hip-Hop Music: Favorite Artist
» Lil Wayne
» Nicki Minaj
» Kanye West
Rap/Hip-Hop Album
» Lil Wayne - Tha Carter IV
» The Throne - Watch the Throne
» Nicki Minaj - Pink Friday
Soul/R&B Music: Favorite Male Artist
» Chris Brown
» Trey Songz
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Soul/R&B Music: Favorite Female Artist
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Soul/R&B Album
» Chris Brown - F.A.M.E.
» Rihanna - Loud
» Beyoncé - 4
Alternative Rock Music: Favorite Artist
» Foo Fighters
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» Jason Aldean
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Country Music: Favorite Band, Duo or Group
» Zac Brown Band
» Lady Antebellum
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Country Music: Favorite Album
» Jason Aldean - My Kinda Party
» Taylor Swift - Speak Now
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Artist of the Year
» Adele
» Lady Gaga
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» Lil Wayne
» Taylor Swift
Stars Talk About the Holidays
From their favorite costumes as a kid to stories about Santa, stars share their holiday memories and traditions exclusively with iVillage!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Mary J. Blige Dishes On Her 'Crazy' Led Zeppelin Covers
'I've listened to their music since I was a child,' says the R&B diva, who recorded 'Stairway to Heaven' and 'Whole Lotta Love.'
By James Montgomery, with reporting by Larry Carroll
Mary J. Blige
Photo: MTV News
You wouldn't peg Mary J Blige as the black-light-and-tapestry sort, but, as has become readily apparent in recent weeks, she absolutely loves Led Zeppelin.
In early February, reports began circulating that Blige had re-recorded Zeppelin's classic "Stairway to Heaven," working with Travis Barker, "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson and guitarist Steve Vai on the track, which is slated to appear on the international reissue of her Stronger With Each Tear album, due Monday.
But after she had recorded "Stairway," Blige continued to get the Led out, covering another Zeppelin classic — the thunderous "Whole Lotta Love" — for the album too. And when MTV News caught up with her on the Essence Black Women in Hollywood red carpet, she told us all about channeling her inner Robert Plant for the tracks, a process that came much easier than you'd probably imagine.
"I did Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway to Heaven' and 'Whole Lotta Love' — it's crazy," she said. "I am a Led Zeppelin fan. I'm not going to say I've been to their concerts, but I've listened to their music since I was a child, and it's always moved me, especially 'Stairway to Heaven,' and 'Whole Lotta Love' is just fun."
Blige also said she recorded another new song — a "club record" called "I Can't Wait" — for the re-release. And while it's only slated to hit shelves outside the U.S., she hopes her fans will get a chance to hear all the new songs pretty soon.
"I want y'all to hear it," she laughed.
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Michael Jackson Doctor Claimed He 'Took All Precautions'
Recording of Conrad Murray's interview with police two days after Jackson's death was played in court Friday (October 7).
By Gil Kaufman
Elissa Fleak
Photo: Pool/ Getty Images
After a day in which the defense attorney for Dr. Conrad Murray went on the offensive against a key prosecution witness in the physician's involuntary manslaughter trial, the focus on Friday (October 7) turned to a recording of the doctor's account of his actions while tending to Michael Jackson on the day the pop icon died.
During Thursday's proceedings, attorney Ed Chernoff accused lead coroner's office investigator Elissa Fleak of sloppy work in her investigation of Jackson's death. Chernoff suggested that Fleak made a number of mistakes, including leaving her fingerprint on a syringe found on Jackson's nightstand. In a sometimes heated exchange, Chernoff hammered Fleak about changes she made earlier this year to her report on Jackson's death, suggesting that they were intended to corroborate the testimony of key prosecution witness Alberto Alvarez, who has claimed that he helped Murray gather up medical evidence at the crime scene, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Toxicologist Dan Anderson also noted that trace amounts — equal to a few drops — of the surgical anesthetic propofol were found in Jackson's stomach. Murray's defense team has been trying to bolster their theory that Jackson fatally injected or ingested propofol himself.
Friday's highlights included:
» More testimony from Anderson, who sparred with Murray's lawyer over whether the trace amount of the sedative Lorazepam in Jackson's stomach was proof he'd swallowed the drug. According to the Los Angeles Times, defense attorney J. Michael Flanagan repeatedly suggested that there was no other explanation for how the drug ended up in Jackson's stomach, even as Anderson said there might be a reason, but that he was not qualified to explain it. Murray has acknowledged giving Jackson two injections of the drug, but the defense team has argued that the pop singer swallowed a handful of the pills on his own without Murray's knowledge.
» Los Angeles Police Department detective Scott Smith testified that the day after Jackson's death, the singer's family handed over a shaving kit containing degraded marijuana and empty bottles of the prescription insomnia drug Temazepam. He described Jackson's bedroom as "messy" and said he found empty bottles of the anti-anxiety drugs Diazepam and Lorazepam in the room.
» While Murray has not yet taken the stand and is not expected to, on Friday, attorneys played a recorded conversation Smith had with Murray and his lawyers two days after Jackson's death — on June 27 — that was set up at the request of Murray's team. In it, Murray disclosed the list of sedatives and painkillers he administered to Jackson in an effort to make him comfortable enough to sleep after a day of long rehearsals for his This Is It comeback concerts. Murray admitted to giving Jackson several medications: a 2-milligram Lorazepam IV, 10 milligrams of Valium and finally, 25 milligrams of propofol. Murray claimed in the recording that he "took all precautions that were available to me" in dosing Jackson.
» Also in the recorded conversation heard on Friday, Murray never mentions that he was on the phone with friends on the day of Jackson's death. Witness Sade Anding testified earlier in the week that she was on the phone with Murray around the time Jackson died.
Murray has pleaded not guilty to the charge of involuntary manslaughter. He faces four years in prison and the loss of his medical license.
Related ArtistsCaptain America
Go see Captain America this weekend! Support our Colin!
I went to the premiere on Tuesday and it was the coolest thing ever. First, the movie is AMAZING and Chris Evans is a superstar. Second, there were so many damn people there it was insane. I have been to movie premieres in New York before and they were nothing like this. I mean, they closed down Hollywood Boulevard. I would've taken photos to show you, but the invite said to leave phones in the car. But here's a photo of me in my cool Captain America 3D glasses:
(Sit down, stop jumping around, it's an awesome picture, I know. And the quality is amazing. It's not grainy or reddish... it's perfect.) (No, it's not.)
(And you can totally see the Captain America logo on the side of the glasses.) (No, you can't.)
Anyway, Captain America is pulling a strong 71% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes right now so GO SEE IT! IT'S FANTASTIC!
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